The quarterly meeting of the South Carolina Ag Council is scheduled to be held on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at the S.C. Farm Bureau,724 Knox Abbot Drive,Cayce,S.C. The meeting will focus on “Alternative Agribusiness Strategies” using unique and sustainable concepts like polyculture and permaculture.

Speakers will include– Manuel Verney-Carron and Janis Persenaire of North Augusta, SC and Shawn Jadrnicek of Clemson

Manuel Verney-Carron is a native of Lyon,France, the mecca of French cuisine, is the owner of Blue Clay Farm and Manuel’s Bread Café inNorth Augusta. Janis Persenaire is his gardener extraordinaire. Manuel’s goal was to transform the farm into a sustainable community vegetable garden with a French flair. He will discuss the symbiotic relationship between his unique farming operation and his Certified SC Fresh on the Menu restaurant located in the heart of the popularHammond’s Ferry riverfront. Manuel’s Bread Café combines a French bakery, pasty and food shop with an unforgettable casual dining experience. Janis, originally from Ontario,Canada, will discuss the challenges and rewards of managing the garden, raised beds, aquaponics (the polyculture of hydroponics and aquaculture) and staggered planting as well as her composting strategy.

Also Shawn Jadrnicek, horticulturist and Clemson University organic farm manager, will be speaking about “Ecological and Permaculture Design Strategies for Urban Homes and Small Farms: A photographic journey of projects and patterns to develop productive human habitats. His experience spans organic farming, nursery production, homesteading, landscape design and installation, arboriculture, irrigation system design, and aquaculture. Shawn also spent four years as an extension agent.

Anyone who has an interest in SC agriculture is welcome and encouraged to attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about how these agribusiness men and women have developed successful alternative business strategies.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. followed by a catered lunch. Deadline for advanced reservations of $8 for Ag Council members is Friday, February 10. Registration at the door or for non-members is $12 per person. The registration fee includes a catered lunch.